Community News

Grand Canyon, AZ – On Monday, March 27, Grand Canyon National Park will begin daily closures of the North Kaibab Trail at Redwall Bridge to remove debris from a storm-caused rockslide. During this time, rim-to-rim travel will be restricted. The unanticipated rockslide damaged a portion of the North Rim water supply line that runs close to the trail. Before Grand Canyon water utility crews can repair the pipeline, they must clear and stabilize the remaining rock and debris above the pipeline and trail. The damaged water line does not affect South Rim or Phantom Ranch operations.

To ensure visitor and crew safety during the stabilization process, the National Park Service will close the North Kaibab Trail at the Redwall Bridge to all trail users from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily while crews are working. The Redwall Bridge is located about 2.5 miles above Manzanita Rest Area, four miles above Cottonwood Campground, and one mile below Supai Tunnel on the North Kaibab Trail. The closure order is in effect until crews determine the area is safe to access. The estimated time of trail closure is three weeks, but that could change depending on weather and resources.

“The safety of park visitors and our employees is our primary concern,” said park superintendent Chris Lehnertz. She added, “We realize this closure affects visitors who may have been planning a Grand Canyon hike for years. Thank you for your flexibility and patience as our crews finish the project as quickly as is safely possible.”

The National Park Service emphasizes the importance of staying on the designated trail at all times and hikers should not attempt to go over or around the closure. There are no detours in place. Trail users should pay attention to directions from park rangers, volunteers, and signs placed along the trail.

Cottonwood Campground on the North Kaibab Trail will remain open and accessible, as will Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. As always, rangers remind hikers and backpackers to plan ahead and check in a visitor center or the backcountry office for updates.

Access to Ribbon Falls is also closed at this time. The bridge that crosses Bright Angel Creek sustained damage making it impassable to foot traffic. There is no estimated time of repair for the bridge—it will remain closed until further notice.

For updated information about the North Kaibab Trail and Ribbon Falls closures, please check the park website (www.nps.gov/grca), follow us on Twitter (@GrandCanyonNPS), or call 928-638-7888.

For additional information about trail access and permits, call the Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-7875.